Sunny in London

A Florida girl's guide to finding SUN and FUN

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Columbia Road Flower Market Guide to Visiting

For a fab day out in London, you must visit the Columbia Road Flower Market. You would need to go on a Sunday, because that’s the only day it’s open. But, come rain or shine- it is open every Sunday. Yes, sunny friends, that even includes Easter Sunday!

I would like to say it is the perfect free day out in London. In fact, my Cool, Free Things to Do in London, I suggested it is. However, what I left out of the video is that I dare you to go without spending any money.

Why?

Do you think you could see all these beautiful, fresh flowers and resist purchasing at least one bouquet for yourself, your mum or a fab friend? I couldn’t.

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Rarely do we have fresh flowers in our house. In fact, I am a self-confessed plant killer. No joke. Even the extra warmth of the Christmas spirit, can’t keep a poinsettia alive for more than a week in the Sunny house.

That being said, I felt that spending £5 on a gorgeous batch of roses was more than fair.

Columbia Road Flower Market- The Basics

Columbia Road is composed of sixty independent shops. There are small art galleries, cup cake shops, vintage clothes stores, English and Italian delis, garden and antique shops. You can even get plastered…

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And don’t worry, boys. Mr Sunny found comfort in a pub he recommended as his pub of the week in our weekly newsletter. After Mr Sunny bravely made two passes through tight crowds, I thought it would be nice to thank him with a beer (because he was driving). He felt The Royal Oak, right on the corner of where the market begins, was a fantastic traditional pub.

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The Columbia Road Flower Market is in the East End of London, sitting on the edge of the city with Shoreditch to the west and Brick Lane and Spitafields nearby. Foodie friends, you know that means that while you are surrounded with flowers, you also are near some popular food destinations in London.

And if you’re looking for fab places to eat, keep reading so you know how to get our free, downloadable pocket guide to London restaurants.

The market has had several names over the centuries. The Victorian seen there today began in the 1860’s. Initially it was a Saturday trading market and then the flower market evolved. In the 1970’s the area went in to decline. However, locals fought to save the market. In the 1980’s the Columbia Road Flower Market began to have an international reputation.

Columbia Road Flower Market- What You MUST Know

For nearly a year, I have wanted Mr Sunny to drive me to Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday. On one Sunday, I had gotten ready early with the intent to go myself. However, I realised that if I took the Underground to the Columbia Road Flower Market alone, I would not be able to get a nice bunch of flowers home easily. Then, there were many Sundays that we just didn’t wake up early enough.

Mr Sunny’s aunt advised us to be there early, if we did go. And she was absolutely right!

Finally, on a super sun Sunday in London, we made it to the Columbia Flower Market. After 10 minutes of trying to find a parking space, we arrived at the flower stalls. We found a sea of people moving in a pack through the narrow walking space in between the flower stalls.

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If you are serious about choosing foliage and flowers, arrive at 8am when the Columbia Road Flower Market begins. You will have an easier time of finding everything from bedding plants to 10 foot banana trees. I hear even when it closes around 3pm ‘ish’ that it is still packed with a crowd. 

My plan was to make one pass through, attempting to see prices and products to do some comparison shopping.

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It seemed clear that the chants of ‘Everythin’ a fiver’ that we heard throughout our travel by the stalls was fairly accurate. Flowers and plants here are cheap!

Generally, everything seemed to be offered at the same price. Based on this, we decided to choose our flowers at the end of the stalls on our way out.

The best advice you can receive for the Columbia Road Flower Market is, serious shopping needs to take place at the crack of dawn. Otherwise, just go for the experience.

You also don’t have to worry about only having cash. While there are cash machines nearby, most stalls can take cards.

Columbia Road Flower Market- Final Thoughts

I would love to see what the markets have around Christmas. If any readers have made the trip during the Winter holidays, please add your ideas about the experience.

Visiting the Columbia Road Flower Market isn’t something I would do once a month. If the flowers are only a few pounds cheaper than what I can get at our local shops in North London, it isn’t really practical to make the trek there just to grab a bouquet.

But, while sifting through the crowds, I overheard a couple rejoicing in the huge purchase of items they bought. The gentleman exclaimed, ‘We never could have received these prices elsewhere.’

If you’re only in London a short time and have a passion for all things floral, you might find Covent Garden Market more accessible. While it’s definitely more focussed on tourists, it is larger and more spacious.

Take a look…

A Complete Guide to Covent Garden London from a London Local includes restaurants, hotels, attractions, Christmas, things to do, pubs and street performers

Want a Food Freebie in London?

Subscribe to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. It features top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

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Best London Restaurant Guide for Foodies

London’s food scene can be quite intimidating if you don’t live here or know where to go. This London Restaurant Guide is for people who want to find fantastic food in London- FAST!

As a local foodie blogger, I have had the chance to attend countless London restaurant launches, to conduct formal restaurant reviews and to be a part of popular food experiences.

By subscribing to the Sunny in London weekly email, you immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. It has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood.

With the pocket restaurant guide you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also get several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

Get the Free Pocket Restaurant Guide

The Guide features: (updated June 2019)

London Restaurant Guide- Best Views

When considering the best London views you will think of seeing the London Eye, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower and Elizabeth Tower (AKA ‘Big Ben’). However, Londoners know that Big Ben won’t be in sight until 2021 due to maintenance and restoration work. While you can’t see them all at once due to geographic location, some London restaurants offer stunning sights that include many.

  • Duck and Waffle- located on the 40th floor this London restaurant is an Instagram favourite. Food reviews are good, but the breathtaking views are better. It’s also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY; City
  • Aqua Shard- For a 360 degree view and an opportunity to go inside the Shard this is a posh place to eat. They don’t take booking requests for window tables, but claim all their tables and bar offer a beautiful view. Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, SE1 9RY; London Bridge
  • Smiths of Smithfield– while it is only 4 floors, the rooftop view is a sneaky surprise. Visit No. 3 at ‘Smiths’ for high end dishes and a terrace that will be filled with Londoners on a sunny evening. 67-77 Charterhouse St, Farringdon, EC1M 6HJ
  • Savage Garden– ultra chic and youthful. You would never expect something this cool at the top of a DoubleTree by Hilton Tower. Put your heels on girls and bring a fully charged phone because the sights of the crowd and skyline are memories you will want to share forever! Floor 12, 7 Pepys St, EC3N 4AF; Tower Hill
  • Fenchurch Restaurant at Sky Garden- This location is my top recommendation for free things to do in London. Taking in the gorgeous views at Sky Garden while enjoying British contemporary food at this rooftop space on a sunny day is a must. Keep in mind, there is a smart/casual dress code so leave the tourist clothes and gear behind. Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF; Tower Hill
  • Galvin at Windows- this Michelin star restaurant is in the heart of London’s swanky Mayfair and offers a feast of French fine dining. It’s on the 28th floor of London Hilton on Park Lane, so you can see stunning panoramic views over Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. 22 Park Lane, W1K 1BE
  • Oxo Tower- see views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline. Their afternoon tea is quite popular. For a taste of all they offer, follow their Instagram. Barge House St, South Bank, SE1 9PH
  • The Swan at the Globe- Literally located next to the Globe, here you can enjoy views of the Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral. Mr Sunny and I have enjoyed cocktails here several times and think it would be a perfect location for pre and post theatre dining. 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT; Bankside
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View on the terrace at Smith’s of Smithfield
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London Restaurant Guide- Afternoon Tea

  • Sketch London- while everyone claims this is one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ place for afternoon tea in London, I don’t see it because images generally seem to be with a yellowish-pink tint. Further, feedback suggests this 18th-century townhouse tea room has the coolest loo in London. I would love to know your thoughts if you have a chance to visit. 9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG; Mayfair
  • Town House at the Kensington– for London’s most iconic afternoon tea, this recently refurbished restaurant holds the title on some of the most sought after afternoon tea experiences in London. The famed ‘Tale as Old as Time’ Beauty and the Beast themed tea had people attempting bookings months ahead. However, I think their current offer ‘London Landmarks Afternoon Tea’ is far better. The quality, creativity and atmosphere doesn’t disappoint foodie fans, and I have visited on several occasions. 109-113 Queen’s Gate; SW7 5LP; South Kensington
  • Conrad London St James- on the two occasions I had afternoon tea in Emmeline’s Lounge, I was wildly impressed. They happened both to be festive themed, but the pastry chef was exquisite. For creativity, delicious food and a boat load of booze, this afternoon tea scores high. However, you might wish to consider the lounge seating arrangement to determine if it offers the best for what you seek in your experience. 22-28 Broadway, SW1H OBH; Westminster
  • Claridge’s- this 5-Star Luxury hotel in the heart of Mayfair offers a place to stay and afternoon tea that makes all travel and food bloggers swoon. For one of London’s best afternoon tea experiences, with a price tag that demands quality, this is one to book. Brook Street, W1K 4HR; Mayfair
  • Covent Garden Hotel- Firmdale Hotels offer the best value for the price of their afternoon tea. Brasserie Max in this hotel offers themed afternoon teas that feature top quality food that is fresh and fabulous. 10 Monmouth St, WC2H 9HB; Covent Garden
  • One Aldwych- the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired afternoon tea is probably the toughest one to book in London. It’s several years old and has maintained high popularity because of this hotel’s superior approach to quality. I have been a guest there in several capacities (hotel stay, spa experience, cocktail menus, and dinners). If you are interested in this afternoon tea, book immediately. 1 Aldwych WC2B 4BZ; Covent Garden
  • Playboy Club London– this is the afternoon tea that Mr Sunny was happy to be my +1 and I am sure you understand why. To be fair, I thought it was fantastic. The bunnies serve Afternoon Tea with a Twist and it’s a quirky, classy experience that I recommend to any confident girl seeking a win-win foodie date experience in London. 14 Old Park Lane, W1K 1ND; Mayfair
  • Cutter and Squidge- rising to immediate popularity in London, this Harry Potter inspired afternoon tea offers more than just food. True wizard fans will love a chance to take a potions class while munching on food from one of the best bakeries in London. Don’t believe me? Visit their Instagram and see! 20 Brewer Street, W1F 0SJ; Soho
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London Restaurant Guide- Food Chains

You will find the restaurants below in quite a few places in London. While I have eaten at nearly all of them, they have not been featured on the Sunny in London blog in a formal capacity.

  • Sticks and Sushi- Japanese sushi restaurants; trendy, highly rated on TripAdvisor
  • Roka- award-winning Japanese dining and slightly more expensive than other chains I’ve listed here
  • Dishoom- Indian; fun, elegant and very popular with Londoners
  • Banana Tree- ‘Home of Indochinese Food’; one my favourite places to have a casual dinner with Mr Sunny; I always order the Pad Thai and have never been disappointed
  • Wagamamma- Asian food; picnic style seating, fast service where you order with a number from a very large menu; consistent quality across London and the UK
  • Pizza Express- offers a gluten free menu that is impressive; Mr Sunny and I have eaten at quite a few locations and always have excellent experiences
  • The Real Greek– fresh Mediterranean cuisine. it’s a frequent meeting place for friends and me; the Greek food is outstanding
  • Cote Brasserie- French Brasseries and Bistros; every time we pass one they are always buzzing with people. That’s always a good sign!
  • Le Pain Quotidien– Belgian owned and recommend for lunch; features simple, elegant food with a focus on organic ingredients; gluten free options are impressive
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View from an upstairs table at Le Pain Quotidien, Covent Garden

London Restaurant Guide- Pubs for Food

  • The Ship Tavern– inches from Holborn Underground Station but tricky to find; head upstairs for what Mr Sunny and I feel is the best gastropub food in London. 12 Gate Street, WC2A 3HP; Holborn
  • The Admiralty– shockingly good for what appears to be the most touristy location in London for a gastropub; 66 Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS
  • Smith’s of Smithfield– located beside London’s famous Smithfield Market, this location has levels of food available. 67-77 Charterhouse St, EC1M 6HJ
  • Butchers Hook and Cleaver- lively, fun and also close to Smithfield Market; 60-63 West Smithfield, EC1 9DY
  • Porterhouse- best bangers and mash I have had in town and it could be the largest bar in London. 21-22 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NA; Covent Garden
  • The Fire Station– wood-fired pizzas, adventurous burgers, beers, ales and cocktails. 150 Waterloo Road, SW1 8SB; Waterloo
  • Hung Drawn & Quartered- great place to stop for food after a visit to the Tower of London. 26-27 Great Tower Street, EC3R 5AQ; Tower Hill
  • The Flask- frequented by famous authors, playwrights and rockstars. Several live within very close proximity so there is a chance you could bump in to one, but it’s outside of Central London. 77 Highgate West Hill, N6 6BU; Highgate
  • The Holly Bush– also in Zone 2, but if you’re around the Hampstead area, this is the local’s favourite pub. 22 Hollymount, NW3 6SG; Hampstead
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London Restaurant Guides- British Food

  • Hawksmoor Seven Dials- British steak and seafood restaurant which is highly regarded by Londoners and reserved for many special occasions. 11 Langley St, WC2H 9JG; Covent Garden
  • Bumpkin- local British brasseries with excellent Sunday roasts and seasonal menus; several locations
  • The Savoy- Mr Sunny and I enjoyed dinner at Kaspar’s at The Savoy, which features informal dining and possibly a beautiful view. Londoners all know that Simpson’s on the Strand is listed as the best roast dinner in the city. Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill is also popular. You could visit the American Bar, but that wouldn’t be very British now would it? 😉The Savoy Hotel, Strand, WC2R 0EZ; Covent Garden
  • Skylon- known for a fantastic view, it is located in the Royal Festival Hall. It has both formal and relaxed dining. Belvedere Road, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX; Southbank
  • Butler’s Wharf at Chop House- in the shadow of Tower Bridge and has excellent views; features all-day menu of chophouse classics, steaks and nostalgic British recipes. 36e Shad Thames, SE1 2YE West End

London Restaurant Guides- Iconic Food Finds

  • Rules- very aristocratic and billed as the oldest restaurant in London; you must book ahead. 34-35 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7LB
  • Le Gavroche- Michelin Two Star dining from Michel Roux JR; luxe French food, impeccable service, ultra posh. 43 Upper Brook St, W1K 7QR; Mayfair
  • Dalloway Terrace- found in the Bloomsbury Hotel this is probably one of the most popular food experiences for Instagram in London. If it might bother you to have constant snaps around as you eat, this food find might not be for you. 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN; Bloomsbury
  • Roux at the Landau- gourmet French cuisine and one of London’s top restaurants. 1C Portland Place, W1B 1JA; Marylebone

London Restaurant Guide- Healthy Food

  • Wild Food Cafe- if you can find Neal’s Yard, you are in for a super healthy treat. As one of my favourite foodie Instagram accounts in London, Wild Food Cafe offers an explosion of creative, healthy food. 1st Floor, 14 Neal’s Yard, WC2H 9DP; Covent Garden
  • The Detox Kitchen- food free from wheat, dairy and refined sugar. It features few tables but has breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Ground Floor, Kingly Court, 10 Kingly Street, W1B 5PJ; Carnaby

London Restaurant Guides- International Food

  • Clos Maggiore- billed as London’s ‘most romantic restaurant’, this is an extremely popular place that offers French-influenced cuisine. Visit their Instagram for a little taste of what they have. 33 King Street, WC2 8JD; Covent Garden
  • Le Garrick– one of the best French meals I have had in London; family owned; 2 Garrick Street, WC2E 9AU; Covent Garden
  • Cocochan- Mr Sunny’s go to restaurant for his birthday and our favourite Pan-Asian place in London. 38-40 James Street, W1U 1EU; St Christopher’s Place
  • Chotto Matte- Japanese and Peruvian with high-quality Nikkei cuisine. It’s swanky, sleek and fun. 11-13 Frith Street, W1D 4RB; Soho
  • Gaylords- billed as the best Indian restaurant in London. It offers Mughlai and North Indian food. 79-81 Mortimer Street, W1W 7SJ; Soho

For more on food, see what we recommend are the best British foods to eat in England. And of course, leave your ideas in the comments. Can you think of anything else to add?

London in Spring- 10 Places to See

Have you seen London in Spring? I admit that Christmas in London is my favourite time of year. But, Spring is spectacular too. If I had to pick a really great time of year for someone to visit London it would be the month of May. The weather is crisp and a bit cool, so summer hasn’t fully settled in. This means there is plenty of fresh green grass and the sky can be crystal blue on many days.

Yes, it is true.

And if you are visiting London for the first time in Spring, you need to know one very important thing.

Not how to rhyme. That was purely accidental! 😉

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London in Spring- It’s About Time

As the clocks spring forward, the days get longer in London. And I mean longer! It’s actually a bit ridiculous how long it is daylight here. I feel like the sun rises at 5am and doesn’t set until 11:00pm. That’s not far from the truth. It’s a little hard to get sleep during the spring in London because the sun is nearly always up. And, as a girl who moved to London from Florida, I appreciate the sunshine!

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London in Spring- Places to See

With so many extra hours in a day, it’s a good thing there is a lot to do. And, the beauty of it is, generally kids are in school most of Spring so the crowds in London are a bit lighter.

I have created a bucket list of things to do this Spring in London for you and me too. My goal is to experience as many of these events that I haven’t already. If you want to see highlights of them, like Sunny in London on Instagram. My husband was born in London and he helped with the list. However, ‘Mr Sunny’ feels every week is ‘Beer Week’ so you might need to overlook that suggestion. Or… is there really a Beer Week during Spring in London? Ha!Ha! You will just have to watch the video to see.

One event that isn’t mentioned in the video is Pancake Day. I can’t say I ever heard of this happening in America. People in London get really creative with the Tuesday that is 47 days before Easter. You might celebrate it as Mardi Gras. Here it is called Shrove Tuesday. Also, you need to picture crepes if you’re American. They generally refer to them as ‘pancakes’ in the UK. The festivities are quite entertaining and worth participating in if you have some time to spare on your trip.

If you’re from here or are an American expat like me living in London, please leave your ideas and comments about your favourite things to do for Spring in London below or on the video.

Subscribe to the Sunny News YouTube channel for regular advice for things to do and what you need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, an afternoon tea etiquette guide and a shopping guide. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

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Bar and Block Aldgate Review- Sipsmith Cocktails

Have you ever had a cocktail that transcended you to another place? When we were invited to Bar and Block Aldgate for a review of the Sipsmith Cocktails pop up bar, I never dreamed one drink would have such an impact. And it was a cocktail I didn’t even order!

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Mr Sunny and I reviewed the King’s Cross Bar and Block in the summer. We enjoyed our food but could not say that it made a huge impact on us in comparison to many other restaurants we have had the chance to eat at in London. So, when we had the chance to visit another Bar and Block steakhouse, we kept our expectations reserved. Bar and Block Aldgate was a completely different experience, and we loved it.

Bar and Block Aldgate- Sipsmith Cocktails

We arrived early as usual and made a sneaky trip to the bar without telling staff we were there for a review. Mr Sunny and I both had stressful work weeks and just wanted our staple drinks to sip on before we got started. So, he grabbed a beer and red wine for us to to start our weekend unwinding process. Then, we introduced ourselves to the staff and headed to our table.

Our invitation was for the purpose of promoting the Sipsmith Hot Gin Cocktails. They offer a seasonal twist on the classic G&T. The Winter Gin Bar serves the ultimate warmers including a Hot Gin & Gingerbread complete with seasonal spices, to the Hot Mulled Sloe Gin with a fruity twist. 

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We reviewed the gin cocktails menu. I chose the Hot Gin and Gingerbread and Mr Sunny picked the Hot Mulled Sloe Gin. I was a little nervous about his selection because I can’t even be around the smell of Mulled Wine. I know it is super popular in London and around Europe for the Christmas season, but it really does not agree with me. 

Or so I thought.

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Those are the cocktails that arrived. We were nearly certain they mixed up our order because when I saw Mr Sunny’s drink I thought for sure it was mine, and I switched them. So, my first sip was of the cocktail in the foreground. 

I am not kidding- my immediate response was to think of a ski chalet in France overlooking a mountain during a fresh snowfall. Now, let’s note that this is a view I have never actually had. But, my imagination ignited to this imagery the second I swallowed this drink. 

It was gorgeous.

We were not that in love with the Gin and Gingerbread. It reminded us a bit of cough medicine. So, throughout our experience, Mr Sunny and I politely battled over the Hot Mulled Sloe Gin.

Bar and Block Aldgate Review- The Food

For Starters, we had the Asian Crispy Beef, Salt and Pepper Squid and Smoked Salmon. Each was delicious. The only reason I did not order the Mac and Cheese Bites is because we had them at the King’s Cross location and we wanted new photographs of different food.

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Next, we both chose steak for our Main courses. It would be silly not to at a steakhouse, right? 

Mr Sunny ordered the Our Butcher’s Block. Even though he said the actual cut of beef could have been a bit better, for the price it costs he felt it was a damn good piece of beef. Further, he felt it was cooked to perfection.

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While my Churrasco De Chorizo was not as photogenic as Mr Sunny’s meat, it was a really good course. The flavour was phenomenal, and I would highly recommend it.

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I thought we should share a dessert, but Mr Sunny wanted to have the restaurant’s feature option, the Chocolate Churros Sundae. We had it at the other Bar and Block location and really enjoyed it.

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I have a hard time not getting Sticky Toffee Pudding when it is on a menu, so it is what I chose. To say I have no regrets is an understatement. The ice cream was mid drop as I took this photo. It was one of those moments when I wished I had just been a regular person and not a food blogger because I just wanted to dig in and devour it, not snap away on my camera.

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By the time I was nearly finished with photography, the ice cream had fully landed on the plate. If I could rewind in time, I would have taken a video of the ice cream slowly moving down the sticky toffee because it was quite the sight. 

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Bar and Block Aldgate- Atmosphere

Our server’s name was Raees. (I hope I spelled that correctly!) I usually do not mention specific restaurant employees unless they make a big impact. His knowledge of the menu is extensive. He offered excellent suggestions and was extremely attentive and polite. 

We also liked this location a bit better than King’s Cross because it seemed to attract more of a local clientele. I think it is fair to say that one would assume any restaurant near King’s Cross has a more transient customer. 

We found Bar and Block Aldgate feel more spacious, although it likely is comparable to the other location.

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Bar and Block Aldgate- Final Thoughts

We would really look forward to returning to Bar and Block Aldgate. The one suggestion that I have though is that you enjoy the Sipsmith hot gin cocktails separately from your meal. Although the Hot Mulled Sloe Gin is quite the show stealer, it is not something I would pair with steak. Again, because it presents such a powerful journey when you taste it, I think it is best to isolate the experience from food.

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Because I truly was captivated by the fact that I enjoyed something ‘mulled’ I searched the internet to see what the drink recipe is. If you are curious, you can read it and perhaps make one yourself. 

I am curious Sunny friends, have you ever had this experience with a drink? Perhaps tasted something tropical and felt whisked away to an exquisite view in the Maldives? I would love to hear your drink adventures below! 

Want to know more about London? The Sunny News YouTube channel shares advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes tips for choosing a hotel,  how to tip when in London, food to eat in London, and advice for exchanging money. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning. There is also the Sunny News via email too.

Festive Afternoon Tea in London- Intercontinental Park Lane

What could be more holiday spirited for a foodie than a festive afternoon tea that actually sings? The competition for themed afternoon teas in London is intense. Each year during the holiday season I look forward to seeing what the luxury hotels in London offer for their festive afternoon tea. Some of them are consistently superior. This is the case for the Intercontinental Park Lane London.

This is how the story goes this year…

‘On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me… a champagne filled afternoon tea!’

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Feast your eyes on those images. Don’t they just make your heart sing? 😉 Literally, the food at the festive afternoon tea this year is inspired by a song. I am sure you guessed it by now.

The Twelve Days of Christmas!

Festive Afternoon Tea: The Food

Like a few hotels, Intercontinental Park Lane offers free-flowing champagne at their festive afternoon tea. You can order 90 minutes of Perrier Joët with your food for £65. So I guess it’s actually not ‘free-flowing’ but it IS an option! Although one might argue it’s also a quick ticket to have 12 drummers drumming loudly between your ears the next morning too!

With that big news out of the way, let’s talk about that plate above and the story leading to it. The Festive Afternoon Tea kicks off with Partridge Pie.

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Beautifully presented to look like it’s floating over snow, this dish was the first delight for me. My guest English said this was not her favourite selection. But, as someone who does not like to eat game, I honestly could not taste anything that would overpower the pie.

For the next verse course, we move to the finger sandwiches. The Festive Menu features:

  • Smoked salmon, cream cheese
  • Honey roast gammon, whole grain mustard
  • Roast turkey with sage and onion mayonnaise
  • Lobster and cray fish Marie rose

We liked them so much we would have loved to take advantage of the offer to have more. But as a veteran of afternoon teas in London, I have learned not to be a leaping lord with my hand up for seconds too early at these carb marathons.

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The suspense for the scones nearly drove us mad. It was worth it. I usually don’t like to venture outside of anything but copious amounts of cream that would keep maids a-milking infinitely, but I did enjoy the twist the Pastry Team put on this rather traditionally blasé dish. They hit the spot from every angle.

  • Plain and cranberry winter spiced scones
  • Devon clotted cream
  • Strawberry preserve, orange cinnamon curd

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But, what really had this lady dancing is the dessert. I guess one could argue that the whole afternoon tea concept is based on dessert. But, I like to think of the last plate as the one that really is the sweet spot.

At this Festive Afternoon Tea you will find:

  • Christmas swan, coconut biscuit and crémeux
  • Blood orange mousse drum
  • Chocolate and kumquat filled golden goose egg, golden rings
  • Pear tree mousse
  • Mini mince pies

Festive Afternoon Tea: The Atmosphere

I have attended the Intercontinental Park Lane for afternoon tea three times because of its consistency and quality. The hotel is a five star hotel in Mayfair and lives up to its expectations for me every time I visit. My first experience at the hotel was in 2015 at the Guilt Free Afternoon Tea, brilliantly timed after the Christmas holiday.

The Wellington Lounge, where the festive afternoon tea is served, is warm and glittering during the holidays. I desperately wanted a picture of the Christmas tree they had displayed but it was right next to two guests’ table and I did not want to interrupt their experience.

The atmosphere is always relaxed and focused on giving guests the ultimate luxury food experience which gives them every opportunity to enjoy the carefully prepared food.

Festive Afternoon Tea: Final Thoughts

My experience was complimentary for the purpose of a review, and this didn’t affect my long-standing opinion I have of the afternoon tea experience at Intercontinental Park Lane. I truly would give five gold rings right now to do it all again, and this time I would probably try to squeeze in that second plate of finger sandwiches!

So, my challenge for you now is to go back through all these image and see if you can figure out how the Pastry Team has used the 12 Days of Christmas as inspiration for this festive afternoon tea. Leave your ideas in the comments below! And for more images and information about booking your own experience, you can see their website and give them a follow on Instagram too.

 

The Sunny News YouTube channel shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes tips for choosing a hotel, how to tip when in London, differences in UK vs US grocery stores, and advice for exchanging money. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too. You can subscribe to the Sunny News email to make sure you don’t miss anything 😉

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Visiting England’s Food Capital

Can you believe I said no to trying the Christmas menu at Hind’s Head Bray when I first received the invitation to review it?

Who in her right mind calls herself a ‘foodie traveller’ and declines a complimentary experience at one of Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin starred restaurants?

Apparently… me!

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Hind’s Head Bray Review- The Invitation

When reviewing the itinerary I received for a press trip to Windsor, I saw our lunch was at the pub Hind’s Head Bray. All pub related videos and stories do well on the Sunny News YouTube channel and website, so it was cool until I used Google Maps to see how far the Hind’s Head Bray was from our hotel.

5 miles!

Not a big deal if you have a car, but for our weekend in Windsor, Mr Sunny and I were taking the train from London because it’s easy. I emailed the tourism board and suggested perhaps an afternoon tea at the hotel was smarter because Americans visiting Windsor likely wouldn’t have cars available to them either to make a trip to Bray for a pub meal. So the story would not be meaningful to this large portion of my audience.

When Mr Sunny found out what I had done, he responded, ‘Big mistake. Huge.’

‘If Americans knew about Bray and what it offers for a culinary experience, they damn sure would figure out a car or Uber!’ he exclaimed.

What was unknown to me is this small village holds more Michelin stars in one condensed area than any in the world. Ok- that might be a little exaggeration, but that was Mr Sunny and his father’s response to me.

I felt like a total idiot. I made it my mission to educate Americans interested in food travel about the village of Bray.

Luckily, I was working with an A* PR professional who was gracious and forgiving with my grovelling email requesting to gain back the invitation.

Talk about having your tail between your hind! 😉

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Research

Once I discovered we still could have the opportunity, I started proper research beyond an address. In the video below, you can learn about all the awards and recognition the Hind’s Head Bray has received. I also list some royals who have visited and other interesting stories about the pub that has been around since the 15th century.

 

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Our Experience

From the moment we entered, we felt the gravity of how serious the Hind’s Head Bray treats the food experience.

While in the winter this pub has a cosy atmosphere and offers traditional English pub food with Heston Blumenthal’s creative, popular twist, it is NOT relaxed about its focus on an exquisite food experience.

First, we were taken to the upstairs area for cocktails and quavers.

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They were beetroot and chicken flavoured. As you can see, the presentation was no after thought. The quavers not only made a striking impression when we saw them but also had strong flavour.

Several people introduced themselves, including the manager, who is a brilliant, friendly individual. Then, we were taken to our table on the ground floor to begin the food adventure designed by Heston Blumenthal.

Our starters from the A la Carte Christmas Menu were the Venison Carpaccio and the Chestnut Veloute.

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Mind blowing! The portion sizes were small but packed with rich punch. Although, we both could have eaten more of them, we were careful not to become too full and potentially ruin the ability to enjoy upcoming courses.

For main courses we chose the Roast Turkey and Hereford Prime Grilled Ribeye.

Our Australian server warned us that it was the best steak she had ever eaten. If you know anything Australians, they take steak seriously!

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Everything was cooked to perfection. I have never had turkey that was so juicy. In fact, Americans tend to overcook it regularly, even though you would think since it’s the main dish at Thanksgiving we would have had enough practice getting the damn bird right!

Finally, the dessert arrived.

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The millionaire shortbread (called the ‘Chocolate Wine’ on the menu was indeed fit for a millionaire’s taste. Mr Sunny also spoke highly of the Cherry Bakewell Tart.

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Final Thoughts

The numerous recognitions the pub has received are fully warranted. If you are a foodie traveller and spending time in Windsor, it would be a huge mistake not to make time for exploring the culinary opportunities in Bray.

Also in my research I learned about Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, which is just across from the Hind’s Head Bray. It holds three Michelin stars and as you can imagine also has an impeccable reputation for food.

I am grateful that my English husband and father in law were able to help me avoid making a huge mistake out of ignorance. Hopefully, I can do the same right now for you.

To see a current list of what you can enjoy at The Hind’s Head Bray, be sure to visit their website. Or follow them on Instagram to be teased every day with delicious dishes!

Do you have any embarrassing foodie stories like this one to share? Leave your ideas in the comments below.

Cheese Afternoon Tea- The Georgian House London

Let’s just get the first pun out of the way- the Cheese Afternoon Tea at the Georgian House Hotel in London is… cheesy! There. I said it. Are we gouda now? 😉

Well, actually I wrote it. And Mr Sunny and I ate it when we stayed at the five star boutique bed and breakfast in Central London just a few days ago.

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You might know the Georgian House Hotel as the ‘Harry Potter hotel’ because it has several rooms called the Wizard Chambers. To learn more about this experience and to see some video of the Cheese Afternoon Tea, you can watch my upcoming YouTube video that I will link to this blog post as soon as it is ready. It captures highlights from our whole experience at the Georgian House Hotel. That is, if you have not already watched a behind the scenes look at my Instastories when we were there.

Just before we left for Nice, France we spent the night at the English boutique. It is a quick walk to Victoria Station, which makes the bed and breakfast very centrally located in London. You can find it at 35-39, St George’s Drive, Victoria , London SW1V 4DG.

Over the course of the evening we had the Cheese Afternoon Tea, a Wizards’ Cocktail Class, a private movie at Pimlico Theatre, a sleep in the Wizard Chambers and their award-winning breakfast. Oh- and their General Manager, Adam Rowledge, recently won the Independent Hotelier of the Year!

The afternoon tea starts with several sandwiches which… all have cheese! They are:

  • Burrata, tomato and pesto bruschetta
  • Sheep’s cheese, Nduja and roasted pepper open sandwich
  • Smoked cheddar Welsh rarebit with apple chutney
  • Potted Stilton with raisins, peppercorns and capers on fig and apricot bread

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I liked the second sandwich the most and had both to myself because Mr Sunny does not prefer red peppers.

Next, you will find a course of cheddar and thyme scones and blue cheese scones served with sliced apples and chutney. We added some butter to ours also. Even though sometimes I think I could live off of a diet comprised entirely of cheese, there are a few I can’t do. Blue cheese is a definite no for me. However, I could not taste it that strongly in the scones.

The final course is our favourite and that is the desserts. Specifically we loved the Raspberries Mascarpone Cheese Cone. This is likely because Mr Sunny and I both loved tiramisu, which has mascarpone as a key ingredient . Additional items in the top tier of the Cheese Afternoon Tea are:

  • Goat’s cheese mousse, beetroot jam and basil tart
  • Blu 61′ drunk cheese with cranberries on Scottish oatcake
  • Black forest cheesecake shot with pretzel crumble

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Cheese-Afternoon Tea-london-georgian-house

Cheese Afternoon Tea: Final Thoughts

For cheese lovers, this themed afternoon tea is different and fun. I emphasise that you really need to like an array of cheeses though because obviously many different ones are featured. The Georgian House is careful to use locally sourced ingredients from London and South England in all of their food to ensure the best quality. The wine flight makes a very nice pairing as well. The accompanying drinks flight features The Bolney Wine Estate’s Kew Red English wine, Trenchmore Silly Moo cider and Ridgeview’s Cavendish, English sparkling wine is available to compliment each dish.  Although we did not have it, your tea could include bottomless Prosecco. The wine flight is certainly a change from champagne, a drink that seems to have nearly replaced the tea in afternoon tea in London over the past few years.

Finally, for those who have a more savoury preference, the Cheese Afternoon Tea could be a better option for you too in comparison to ones that are chocolate or Christmas themed at this time of year. You can certainly check out the Georgian House Hotel and what their latest offerings are via their website.

Our visit was complimentary for the purpose of a review, which does not affect our opinion. For more information on the outstanding ratings of the Georgian House, you can see their reviews on TripAdvisor too.

The Cheese Afternoon Tea is currently served from 14.30-17.00 Monday to Sunday in the Georgian House Hotel’s Pimlico Pantry and reservations in advance are required. You should inform the team of any dietary requirements or allergies.

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Secret Things to Do in Soho London

What are the hidden gems of Soho? My first flat in London was off Tottenham Court Road, which ends at the north east border of this lively neighbourhood. This proximity to the area allowed me to learn all the popular and secret things to do in Soho. If you love theatre, food, shopping and nightlife, then Soho would be a hotspot for you. Plus, there are tons of hotels near Soho for those who are visiting London and want things to be easy.

Let’s start with the areas defining Soho, London.

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Secret Things to Do in Soho for Harry Potter Fans

Cambridge Circus is the southern boundary for Soho. It doesn’t take a wizard to discover the most popular thing to do in this location of London. Since its opening, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been one of the toughest tickets to score in town. You might think it’s actually easier to gain entrance to Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station. However, a secret tip about this enormously popular show is that every Friday they offer the ‘Friday Forty’ on the show’s website. During this limited time, 40 deeply discounted tickets for the following week’s shows are offered to the lucky individuals chosen at random from the virtual queue.

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If that wets your fancy, then you probably want to investigate the magical Potions Class at Cutter and Squidge. In the Spring of 2018, this bakery launched one of the hottest afternoon tea experiences in London. It’s called the ‘Potions Class at the Cutter & Squidge Secret School of Wizarding Alchemy. While it isn’t technically a ‘Harry Potter’ afternoon tea, it is the closest experience you will get in London to feeling like a Hogwarts student. You can read more about it in Potions Class review.

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Secret Things to Do in Soho for Shopaholics

Known for its flagship stores like Hamleys and now Kate Spade, Regent Street is the western border for Soho. The neighborhood’s northern border is Oxford Street. When I want to find familiar things fast, I exit the Underground at Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus. Both stops position you well for a sprint to department stores like Selfridges, Liberty and John Lewis. You can find flagship stores like Apple, Kate Spade and Hamleys among the many other familiar names on Regent Street.

However, I never make a trip there without making sure to peek through Carnaby Street, especially at Christmas. If you are here during the holidays, the Carnaby Street lights are always the best. That’s a secret most people visiting London don’t know.

The theme changes every year and it’s always a treat to see what spectacular ideas are above. Below is a photo from the 2017 carnival theme with tropical vibes.

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As a Florida girl living as an American expat in London, I am sure you can see why this was one of my favourite experiences at Christmas last year!

Another sneaky tip is that you can visit the Carnaby Street website to sign up for invitations to their secret shopping parties. You will receive discounts to many of the Carnaby Street shops and restaurants on a designated evening.

What kind of edgy, different things will you see? Take a look at a few shoes from the Irregular Choice flagship store on Carnaby Street.

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Secret Things to Do in Soho for Foodies

I have made it a rule to never walk on Wardour Street in Soho in the early afternoon if I haven’t had a big breakfast. It’s the street I recommend to every traveller to London because it is lined with restaurants representing countless cuisines. However, if you are not confident in just choosing one to walk in and give it a go, then you might want to have a guide take you around the area instead.

I spent a fantastic evening once on the Eating London Twilight Soho Food Tour, an activity that people might not know exists in London. On it you will learn about Soho’s history as an entertainment and fashion zone, as well as some of its darker aspects from years ago. One not so obvious stop to an average passersby is the Opium Cocktail and Dim Sum Parlour in Chinatown. If you want to transport back to 1920’s Shanghai, you will need to do some searching on your own for this secret spot. It’s on Gerrard Street, and if you can find the Jade Door when the hinges are open, then find your way up the red stairs, you will hit this oriental themed cocktail bar and Dim Sum Parlour.

In the mood for Mexican food? La Bodega Negra has a shady side that confuses people nearly every time they try to find it. If you search for the location on Google Maps, you might find yourself standing in front of what appears to be a sex shop! But that’s just a sneaky facade to the entrance. Once you make your way to the basement, you will find a brilliant (albeit dark and full of candlelight) Mexican restaurant.

Finally, most foodie fans are all about the gram. Instagram, that is! For a fun night you can show off to your followers, you will want to book a table at Dirty Bones on 14 Denman Street and ask for the Instagram kit. What? You didn’t know they had this? That’s right, the restaurant offers diners equipment to capture their delicious food and in the best light possible. Take a look at the battery charger and light we had at our table…

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You’ll have to stay tuned for my review of the experience to see the amazing pictures I captured of their gorgeous Mac Daddy burger!

Things to Do in London in Soho: Final Thoughts

Sunny friends, please leave your ideas for fun things to do in Soho that people might not know below. And if you have any questions about great foodie spots or other things to do in term of attractions events and places to stay in London, ask me too!

The Sunny News YouTube channel shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about visiting London. This includes advice for how to tip when in London, how to spot Americans in London, and exchanging money tips. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com but all views are my own.

Porky’s BBQ Review- Bankside London

What do you think of when someone says American food? Cheeseburgers? Barbecue? Large portion sizes? If those are images you have and they sound appetising to you, then a visit to Porky’s BBQ in London is something you might want on your list of places to eat.

Ironically, Mr. Sunny and I kicked off our Christmas celebrations with a trip to their Bankside location this year. We hit the restaurant at 1pm the day after the Southbank Wintertime Festival started. On the days leading up to our visit, we really were salivating on my iPad as we struggled with decisions about what to have while we reviewed the menu online.

I felt like I needed to order the ‘Big Ben Burger’ because Americans always flock to the clock and would probably want to read about the experience of ‘eating’ such an iconic item. And, in all honesty, I actually wanted to try the Quinoa and Feta Salad too. However, since I was invited to write a review, I thought it would be a bit cheeky to order a salad at a BBQ joint. Mr. Sunny loves ribs, burgers, wings, and all meaty types of things. So, he was torn between many different menu items. Ultimately, this is what we decided…

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Porky’s BBQ Bankside- Food

For Starters, I couldn’t resist the Chilli ‘n’ Mac ‘n Cheese. Yep, I know I shouldn’t have gluten but since this is one of my all time favorite American dishes, I had to try it at Porky’s BBQ.

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Hot damn it was good! If you caught my Instatories that day, you got to see my fork pulling out the first bite of the cheesy chilli dish.

Since I didn’t really feel like taking one for the tourist team, I chose the Porky Burger to have next. It is ginormous in terms of portion size. Each bite is a challenge because the burger is so big. I loved the flavors of all the ingredients but after several bites I realised that since my Starter was so heavy there was no chance of me finishing their signature burger. And, this is also one of the few times I could find no room for dessert.

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Mr. Sunny had the Popcorn Chicken as a Starter and then attempted the BBQ Feast. We suspected it would be too much food for him and appreciate that our server brought us an empty platter for us to see prior to him committing to ordering it. But, perhaps this Half Rack Baby Back Ribs, 1/4 Chicken, Pulled Pork, Burnt Ends, Fries, House Slaw and Beans is best shared between two meat lovers, unless someone is training for Man vs Food 😉

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Porky’s BBQ Bankside- Atmosphere

Despite the fact that the Southbank Wintertime Festival had started and it was also Remembrance Day, we found the restaurant to be spacious and quiet. My guess is that later in the evening it might not be as roomy. I can see the Beer Pong Tables attracted quite a big crowd at night.

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Porky’s BBQ seems like a great location to meet a large party of colleagues, friends or even family. In fact, it seemed there was a 25th birthday celebration happening next to us with about 10 people at combined tables. Also, a very big party was just finished when we arrived.

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Porky’s BBQ Bankside- Service

When we arrived, they weren’t really clear about our table being reserved and why. But they immediately put us at a great table when I indicated natural lighting would be ideal for photos in a review.

Our server seemed to know general information about the menu but not intricate details. However, as I mentioned above, it was smart for her to show us the actual plate that the BBQ Feast was served in when we asked if it might be way too much for one person to eat with a starter.

Our food was served fast and at a great temperature for grilled meat. Our server seemed really busy after our meal, so we made sure to stop by the kitchen door to thank the staff and say goodbye. Once out in the street we heard our server call to us to return to the restaurant. Apparently, they thought we left without paying a bill. The confusion swiftly cleared when I showed them the messages coordinating a restaurant review. I include this information not to point out any errors from them but really to highlight that our experience took place with truly honest intentions from the staff. We really feel we were not treated ‘special’ or better than other customers because of a complimentary review because they actually didn’t seem to know we were doing one.

Porky’s BBQ- Final Thoughts

When trying to have an authentic American BBQ experience in London as an American expat like me, a tourist who doesn’t want to try British cuisine, or as a Londoner like my husband who genuinely loves a good grilled food, Porky’s BBQ is a strong option. They have four locations in London: Camden, Bankside, Shoreditch and Crouch End.

In fact, I loved seeing their Thanksgiving Menu, which includes pumpkin pie this year! I will certainly suggest Porky’s BBQ to my American expat friends in London who are seeking a casual Thanksgiving meal.

As for the rest of our day, we will need to revisit Southbank Wintertime Festival because we didn’t try any of the food there nor eat dinner later that evening. Porky’s BBQ sure was a filling and enjoyable experience that extended well after our last bite!

Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London

Are you obsessed with Harry Potter and planning on visiting London? After living as an American in London for five years, one of the most popular trip planning questions I get from US readers is about the Harry Potter experience in London.

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Through time, I have been able to enjoy nearly every Harry Potter activity the city has to offer. I even ventured to a great one in Oxford too! Below is the Hall at Christ Church in Oxford. It was the inspiration for the Great Hall featured in the Harry Potter films.

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Due to the popularity of the Sunny in London Harry Potter reviews, advice articles and videos, it made sense to compile them all in one place to make it super easy for you muggles who wish they were magical. I will also include a money saving tip on the hottest Harry Potter activity in London at the moment.

Harry Potter Themed Afternoon Tea and Potions Class

For a wizard’s feast and lesson on how to make wizard potions, the Potions Class and Afternoon Tea at Cutter and Squidge bakery is something you don’t want to miss. As I indicate in the review, it sells out fast so you need to book well in advance. This afternoon tea review is also written in the form of a classroom observation, so I really hope you enjoy it!

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Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London: Sunny News YouTube

Stay in the Wizard Chambers at Georgian House. They are Harry Potter themed rooms and are every muggle’s dream…

 

10 Harry Potter Things to Do in London

Is the Harry Potter London Tour Worth It?

Harry Potter London Tour on a Bus!

See Hogwarts in the Snow!

Visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour London

Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London- Read on the Blog

10 Harry Potter Things to Do in London

How to Get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London

Harry Potter London Bus Tour

Hogwarts in the Snow- 5 Reasons You MUST Go!

Curious what the Harry Potter Studio Tour involves?

The Dueling Challenge: Harry Potter, London vs. Orlando?

Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London- On the List

Even after a year of shows, the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play is one of the hottest tickets in London. It’s on my Harry Potter bucket list. When I see the show I will be sure to include a review here.

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However, did you know that every Friday at 1pm you can visit the website for a chance to get super discounted tickets? I have tried 5-6 times and not been successful. They only advertise 40 tickets. There is a weekly countdown to 1pm and when the time runs out, you can click to be entered in a random selection of people who have five minutes to purchase two discounted tickets for two shows the following week. On 4th August they released 400 discounted tickets to celebrate 19 years since Harry’s ‘first day of school’ at Hogwarts.

Also, The Georgian Hotel has a Wizard Chambers room designed to look like a room for a wizard. You can’t help but think it is what spending a night as Harry Potter would feel like.

Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London- UK Experience

I have a Harry Potter board established on Pinterest which shares tons of other experiences you can enjoy around the UK. Please add any questions you have about the Harry Potter experience in London. Also, if you can add any information for readers based on your own Harry Potter experiences, please do so in in comments.

I’m always eager to try a new activity in London with a Harry Potter theme, so if you are hosting an event, please do let me know so I can include it here and on the Sunny News YouTube channel!

2019 INFLUENCER GUIDE

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HARRY POTTER

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YOUTUBE

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